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The Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Nuevo Progreso

How would you like to save up to 80% on the cost of your dental care? Its easier than you think with our Nuevo Progreso dentists - and for Americans and Canadians its not too far to travel either. Find and book your affordable dental care with Dental Departures. We'll show you how.

Nuevo Progreso is a small, typically colourful Mexican border town of around 11,000 inhabitants in the state of Tamaulipas. It is linked to Progreso Lakes in Texas by the International Bridge, which is used by many visitors to walk over the border.

Thousands of Texans every year regularly make the crossing on shopping trips. Leather goods, pottery and jewelry are some of the must-have local handicrafts but there are bargains to be had on all sorts of everyday items from vanilla to liquor and cigarettes, but also on clothes, furniture and pretty much anything else you can think of.

In common with other towns along the US-Mexico border, healthcare is a booming industry here. As medical and dental costs north of the border are soaring year on year, Canadians and Americans are seeking out more affordable alternatives. Nuevo Progreso is a viable option for many visitors from all over North America, with three international airports serving the Rio Grande Valley located within 40 miles of Nuevo Progreso, making travel to the area accessible and convenient.

Where is Nuevo Progreso?

Located in Tamaulipas, in the North-East corner of Mexico it borders on the US with Progreso Lakes in Texas.

For dental travelers there are plenty of airports in the area to travel to, and good road links from the North along the I-37 and I-35 from San Antonio, and the US-277 from the North West.

Why visit a dentist in Nuevo Progreso?

For budget-conscious travelers Nuevo Progreso offers dental patients an affordable alternative to the unattainable prices in North America. Excellent travel links and short flight times means it is a real possibility for many patients to travel here for their dental needs on a regular basis, and despite this still save substantially on the cost of equivalent procedures at home.

Nuevo Progreso has the advantage of being a small town and is, therefore, easy to navigate and familiarise yourself with – an important factor if you have limited time to spend in the area. Nevertheless, it is quite a busy, lively town with all the everyday amenities you could wish for, including plenty of restaurants and bars for much needed refreshment - or simply to just sit in and watch the world go by.

Colorful shop fronts jostle with street vendors in the hope of catching your eye, and you are sure to go home with something more than you came with. A microcosm of Mexican culture, Nuevo Progreso’s people are hospitable and friendly and you are assured of a warm welcome.

Average cost of a single dental crown in the US $1,200; At a dentist in Nuevo Progreso $250

Average cost of root canal, post and crown in the US $2,200;At a dentist in Mexicali $550

Average cost of dental implant and crown in the US $3,900; At a dentist in Mexicali $2,000

Where to stay?

Accommodation options are varied and plentiful in and around Nuevo Progreso. While there are hotels in town, many patients opt to stay over the border in Weslaco and walk over the International Bridge to get to their dentist appointment. There are also several RV parks nearby in Texas for those patients who are intend on doing some traveling while in the area.

Is it safe?

Although border towns have generally had a bad press in the recent past the reality when visiting many border towns is quite different. Nuevo Progeso is no exception. It has always been a popular town to visit – especially as it is located only around 30 minutes away from the major tourist destination ofSouth Padre IslandinTexas.

The US Government’s recently issued Spring Break Travel Advisory, while acknowledging drug-related crime along certain routes, goes on to say it is ‘unlikely that American visitors would get caught up in this violence’. It does not advise against travel to Nuevo Progreso, merely suggesting travelers should exercise common-sense precautions such as keeping to the tourist areas.

Is the quality of care the same as back home?

Our dentists in Nuevo Progreso are only listed on our site providing they have met our quality criteria regarding training, qualifications and experience. They have had good training, comparable to their UScounterparts, with many having membership of the US dentists’ governing body as well as the Mexican equivalent.

There are plenty of myths surrounding the perceived lack of quality of dental treatment abroad, but we have found that throughoutMexico standards are generally very good. This isn’t to say that there are some dubious dentists practicing inMexico too, because there are – which is why doing your research is important and why Dental Departures can help.

What happens if something goes wrong? Does my dental care have guarantees or warranties?

Yes – all of Dental Departures’ clinics have guarantees and warranties on all their work. This extends not just the work undertaken by your dentist on the procedure itself, but also to any lab work on, for example, crowns or dentures etc.

Our quality checks are designed to ensure that your treatment should take place without any problems occurring. However, any medical or dental procedure carries with it inherent risks, and the outcome can never be guaranteed 100%. In the rare occurrence of any problem you may contact your dentist directly, or contact us at Dental Departures and we will intervene on your behalf to make certain your problem is rectified.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No. You will find that nearly all of our dentists speak English very well. Nuevo Progreso’s close proximity to the US border pretty much means that English is spoken widely throughout the town.

What payment methods are accepted by most dental offices?

US cash is generally accepted by most dental offices, but other payment methods may be available. Check with your dentist to see if they accept travelers checks, personal checks or credit/debit cards. Please note that there may be a small credit card surcharge of 3-4%.

Is my US or Canadian insurance accepted?

While the dental clinic in Nuevo Progreso will not be able to bill your insurance company directly you may be eligible to claim a refund for your treatment upon your return home.

Before you travel ask your insurance company if they reimburse for ‘out-of-network’ care. If they do you will be able to claim when you get home. The added benefit of out-of-network care is that your money will go much farther at a dentist in Nuevo Progreso than it would at home – possibly allowing you to upgrade to much higher quality materials.

Remember to ask your insurance company what forms and information they require from your dentist as you will need to take these with you to Mexico.

When is the best time to visit a dentist in Nuevo Progreso?

Winter months are particularly busy in Nuevo Progreso as snowbirds and retirees pack the town to escape the cold winter weather in North America. December-March is peak season. Border waits may be long during this time of year and the dental clinics are busy so you are advised to schedule your appointment as far ahead as you can.

The weather is generally best at this time too as it is not too hot. Summer is the least busy time, but it may be unbearably hot. But, if you can take the heat you will find some great summer bargains as hotels, restaurants and other establishments have frequent summer promotional prices. The border crossing times are much quicker too.

Generally, you may visit Nuevo Progreso at any time of year – our dentists and all other tourist facilities and amenities are open all year round.

Is the city handicapped accessible?

Mexico is generally not as wheelchair accessible as places are in the US and Canada. Sidewalks, if there are any, are steep and without ramps and you may find gaps, cracks or other obstacles making progress in a wheelchair difficult. It is not impossible to get around, but be prepared for some difficulties.

The town is relatively small, and many of our clinics are really near to the border so you won’t have too far to travel. Many of our clinics also provide shuttle services from the border. We will be happy to help get you to one of our dentists in Nuevo Progreso – feel free to contact us for any further assistance.

What is the downside? What should I know about visiting?

Although Nuevo Progreso receives a lot of visitors it is not a resort town. It is a typically colorful Mexican border town which may appear a little shabby in some areas. However, do not let this fool you into thinking our dental clinics in Nuevo Progreso are somehow second-rate – once you step inside the facilities, cleanliness and service will be just as good as your local dentist’s office at home.

Be aware of ‘pickers’ who are paid by local businesses to bring clients to them. For the uninitiated they may seem friendly and helpful, but will try and persuade you to go along with them to their dentist/doctor/hotel, which are often far removed from the standards you would normally expect. They are harmless, but can be a little irritating. A polite but firm ‘No gracias’ usually gets rid of them. Alternatively, you can always arrange to visit one of our clinics who will pick you up from the border.

Dental patients should be aware that gas sedation using nitrous oxide is not standard in Mexico as it is in the US and Canada. Some of our dental clinics provide it as an additional service, but it will have to be pre-arranged as the services of anesthiologist are required. It incurs an additional fee of between $400-$600.

Patients who need anxiety medication, such as valium, will need to pre-book their prescription in advance too.

What else is there in town?

Prescription medication and optical services are provided here for deeply discounted prices in comparison to the US and Canada – why not stock up on what you need while you are here?

There are plenty of good and varied restaurants offering everything from authentic Mexican cuisine to steak. Great weather makes it perfect for dining al fresco, where you can watch the world go by and be entertained by street musicians.

Have your hair cut, get your shoes shined or just relax with an iced Margarita. You may be visiting for dental treatment but all the conveniences you need are here to enjoy.

Driving Directions

From the north head down to Weslaco in Texas taking the I-37 or I-35 and from the north-west the US-277. The border crossing is a couple of miles south from here.

Parking

There is attended parking for a nominal fee in the US on both sides of the FM1015 just before you enter the toll gates. It is only a 5 minute walk over the bridge with great views of the river. Please do not leave your pet in the car while you visit a dentist.

If you do decide to drive over parking is free on the main streets in Progreso, but it may take you some time to drive back over to the US side.

Mexican car insurance?

Most people who drive in prefer to park their car on the US side of the border and walk over Progreso International Bridge. If you want to drive into Nuevo Progreso you will need to get Mexican insurance cover as US/Canadian insurance will not be valid in Mexico for liability coverage, which is a legal requirement.

You can arrange insurance cover online for around $10 a day, but you may find it cheaper to park in Texas.

Flying in?

The nearest international airports are McAllen Miller International (MFE), Valley International (HRL), also known as the Rio Grande Valley International Airport, and Brownsville (BRO) – all less than 40 miles away

How do I book?

Book online or call us Toll-Free to arrange your appointment with a dentist in Nuevo Progreso. Compare our prices, read our reviews, view our clinic photos and virtual tours so you 'know-before'you-go.' Book your dentist with complete confidence. Book with Dental Departures.

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This article is meant for information purposes only and is not intended to be dental advice or instructions for dental diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your dentist or a qualified dental professional before starting or changing dental treatment.